I finished the first draft of my first original novel a few days ago. Despite being stressed about finances, my mother noted how happy I was. I love writing, and composing a novel from start to finish is an accomplishment I’ll always cherish. What happens next is a test of my self-control.
In Stephen King’s book On Writing he commands you to leave the book alone, once finished, for at least a month. Give it time to breathe, don’t think about it, lock it away and leave it. It’s hard. I have a mental list of all the changes I need to make to the book, in addition to the regular editing that comes with first drafts. Develop here, cut there, change this, move that. Last night I almost broke the rule, but thankfully I was too tired to commit the crime.
So I’m blogging about it. Like somehow that will help me. If I have to wait a month, that means I can’t start editing until September 18th. Oh. Dear. Lord. That’s so far away.
But I must be strong. I will find other ways to siphon my writing desires.
Help me, Obi Won Ka Blog, you are my only hope.
